Business & Tourism
Hawai‘i’s economy, in all its complexities.
What do we talk about when we talk about ‘the economy’ in the Islands? We talk about the cost of living, the cost of doing business, what it takes to make Hawai‘i a place where people can succeed, where they can build a career or a business and afford to raise a family. We cover such issues as Hawai‘i’s efforts to maintain a strong, sustainable tourism industry, but also its attempts diversify the economy. We look at everything from small business success stories to major players such as Hawaiian Airlines and the hotel industry.
News
250+ Kaiser employees to strike next week
Unions to picket Kaiser over stagnant wages, cut benefits, and more across multiple states.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 11, 2025
Insurance provider DTRIC to wind down in Hawai‘i
Company will neither issue nor renew policies as it withdraws from Hawai‘i market
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 11, 2025
Here's what's new at Royal Hawaiian Center
Learn more about the four new tenants that will soon open at the Waikīkī shopping center and the one merchant who just did.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 11, 2025
Golf tournament raises $65K for high school construction trade programs in Maui County
Some 144 golfers, students, their teachers, and volunteers attended the Construction Industry of Maui's Sept. 27 tourney at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 08, 2025
Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized in Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards
Hundreds of thousands of people voted between April 1 and June 30 to find the best hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas, cities and more around the world, including the top hotels and resorts in Hawai‘i.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 08, 2025
Mālie Organics opens new shop at International Market Place
Mālie — which founder Dana Roberts says, means calm, serene, tranquil — was founded on Kaua‘i in 2004.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 03, 2025
55 years of Kāhala Mall
The first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping center in the Islands celebrates its 55th anniversary in October.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 01, 2025
"Bleak" economic report predicts recession
UHERO forecast warns about rising costs, stagnant jobs as tariffs and federal government job cuts continue.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 26, 2025
Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i set to celebrate 175th anniversary
Founded in 1850, the chamber — the second oldest chamber organization west of the Rockies — will mark its 175th anniversary in October. To celebrate the milestone, the chamber will host "An Evening of Legacy" gala on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 25, 2025
Maui landowner countersues in water battle
Maui Land & Pineapple hits back against golf courses and other water users, accusing them of ignoring water restrictions.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 24, 2025
These Hawai‘i hotels recognized as some of the best in the U.S.
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel, lifestyle and other categories.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 23, 2025
AIA Honolulu builds community with Architecture Month
The organization has events lined up on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island throughout October to celebrate.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 19, 2025
Shake Shack is opening its first Hawaiʻi location
Shake Shack is partnering with Hawaiʻi-based company Union MAK corporation to bring the first Shack to Oʻahu in 2027.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 19, 2025
DBEDT invites product manufacturers to exhibit at San Diego trade show
The Winter FancyFaire, which is organized by the Specialty Food Association, is set to take place Jan. 11 to 13, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 18, 2025
Hawai‘i Pacific University to offer three-year bachelor degree
Applications for the new bachelor of science in global business program are open now, and the first cohort of Global Business Scholars are expected to start in the fall of 2026, the university says.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025
Drought cancels Maui PGA tournament
Drought conditions in West Maui lead PGA to cancel Sentry PGA Tour Tournament for the first time since 1999
Michael Brestovansky & Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 17, 2025
Meet the board chair for the state Agribusiness Development Corp.
Jayson Watts shares about his kuleana and ADC's mission, priorities and long-term vision, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead for Hawaiʻi’s agricultural community.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 17, 2025
Explore the 'Future of Work' in Hawai‘i at upcoming conference
A partnership between the Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council, Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i and AE Consulting, Future of Work 2026: County Voices, Statewide Vision is planned for Sept. 24.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 16, 2025
Maui hotel GM talks new restaurant, business
Serkan Hizliok, area general manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore, shares about The Palms Bar & Bitesʻ Sept. 16 opening — including who helped with the design/build and his favorite item on the menu — and how business has been for the new 136-room property on the shores of Kahului Bay.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 15, 2025
If can, can: AIA Honolulu celebrates 20 years of CANstruction
Build Day for the professionals will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. A Keiki Corner build is set for 10 a.m. until noon the same day. The structures will then be on display for People's Choice voting from Sept. 13 through Saturday, Sept. 20.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 12, 2025
Hawaiian Electric looks to raise $500M through the sale of bonds
HECO will use the net proceeds from the offering to finance capital expenditures, as well as repay or refinance debt
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 12, 2025
LahainaTown Action Committee to host cleanup event
Community volunteers from keiki to kūpuna can lend a hand at the 21st annual Lahaina Town Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of International Coastal Cleanup Month. Tambara Garrick, director of LahainaTown Action Committee, the organizer of the event, shares what she’s most looking forward to, the overall impact and what day-of participants can expect.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 11, 2025
Hawaiian Airlines names new CEO
Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will step into the role, effective Oct. 29.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 11, 2025
Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu Community College and the next generation of aircraft mechanics
A newly launched Maintenance Technician Development Program offers "significant financial and professional support" for selected students enrolled in the school's Aeronautics Maintenance Technology Program.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 09, 2025
Month-long fundraiser to support Kunia farmers, businesses
Nonprofits Kunia Village Development Corp. and the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation, along with local businesses including Kō Hana Distillers and Nalo Farms, have launched the “Kōkua Kunia" campaign to support farmers in the area affected by the recent brushfires. A fundraising event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Kō Hana Distillers, which will feature a three-part rum tasting, food from various vendors in the neighborhood and a chance to meet first responders.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 09, 2025
Claire's closing hundreds of stores nationwide, including these in Hawai‘i
A handful of the shops, often popular with tweens and teens, will remain open across the Islands.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 05, 2025
Kailua’s Gnarwall Surf Shop rides final wave
The Oʻahu-based business that opened six years ago with a mission to empower local shapers, while supporting surfers at every level, plans to close shop by the end of this month. Surfer turned business owner John Ingari shares insights about the industry, what heʻll miss most about serving the community and whatʻs next.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 29, 2025
Here's what's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed six new tenants with more opening soon.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 26, 2025
What's next for Vance Roley
Roley, the long-time dean of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business, announced earlier this month that he'll step away from the role. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Roley about his career, how he got to Hawai‘i and what'll come after his transition from the leadership position he's held since 2005.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 26, 2025
Lawsuit filed against Maui Land & Pineapple
The suit alleges that the company has failed to maintain its Honokōhau ditch system.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 23, 2025
Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages
The co-founder and CEO says the Hilo-based company was founded on a simple idea that the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company, but rather a "catalyst for change."
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 23, 2025
Chamber event will showcase careers at Kona Brewing Co.
A workforce open house hosted by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce — is open to early- to mid-career professionals 21-plus, and will highlight careers in Hawai‘i's brewing industry such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 21, 2025
North Shore Scout camp reenvisioned for community use
The planned improvements to Camp Pupukea aim to serve scouts, business and nonprofit organizations and community groups, as well as those seeking refuge during natural disasters, per Scouting America, Aloha Council.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 20, 2025
Alaska, Hawaiian airlines launch joint loyalty program
As of Aug. 20, Alaska Mileage Plan members are Atmos Rewards members while HawaiianMiles members and their miles will transition into the new loyalty program on Oct. 1
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2025
Made in Hawai‘i Festival draws nearly 70K attendees
The three-day event began Friday, Aug. 15, and ran through the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 18, 2025
Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers
The three-day event began Friday and continues through the weekend. Aloha State Daily spoke with a handful of the small business owners who set up shop.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 16, 2025